Hampton/Newport News STers

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m moving there from SW VA in about 2-3 wks. I’m aware of the stuff in VA Beach, but would like to know 3 main things about the area. We are looking at a few places, namely Kiln Creek and Coventry

  1. Masters swim programs
  2. Paved, safe trails to run - I know Kiln Creek has that paved path, but how long is it? Are there other places similar to that nearby?
  3. Ability to ride

Thanks for any info… moving there for school/work.

TR42

2

i grew up in newport news … i wasn’t a triathlete at the time so i’m not sure about a masters program but ODU, CNU, Hampton University and a few other colleges are very close , however one of the best trails for running (nicely groomed and in the woods) is at mariners museum (off warwick blvd) its a 5mile very safe rolling loop around a lake (i ran cross country in high school there). Also know that one of the best places to ride is around yorktown victory center (on the battlefield tours) and from the victory center up to colonial williamsburg from yorktown.

3

I am from that area and actually worked at the golf course at kiln creek. To be honest I know nothing about master’s swim programs, but in general, that area is very big into sports, and you should be able to find one. You could also get in some open water swims in the many rivers or Buckroe beach.

In regards to running, you could run on the paved gof cart path on the course if you go in the morning or evening. I’d avoid it when people are on the course. I dont know how long any other paved path is in that area. You could also go to Newport News park, there are a few paved/gravel trails back there. There was also a great trail in Williamsburg on the left side on route 60, bout halfway between Ft Eustis and Busch Gardens. I can’t remember the name, but in High School it was where we went for hill work. Another great trail is at the Mariner’s Museum, can’t remember the name, but i think its 5-6 miles of cross county trails.

I don’t think the area is that great for riding. The main problem is the growth and traffic. You’ll find that the whole area is referred to as Hampton Roads, and that stretches from Williamsburg to VA Beach. Within that area you are looking at pretty rough traffic and increased growth. I would guess that Yorktown and Williamsburg will offer your best rides. If you go to Poquoson, West Point, Gloucester, and some parts of Portsmouth you will get more country type roads.

Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions

4

Hey MM, where did you go to school and when did you grad. I ran for Menchville and graduated in 98.